Drug interactions
Busulfan + Paracetamol
Severity: Moderate
Busulfan and Paracetamol: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Paracetamol given shortly before or with busulfan may reduce busulfan clearance and increase its exposure. Higher busulfan levels raise the risk of toxicity such as myelosuppression and hepatic veno-occlusive disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Busulfan and Paracetamol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Busulfan belongs to Oncology; Paracetamol belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Paracetamol depletes glutathione, which is needed for busulfan conjugation and elimination, thereby reducing its clearance.
What to do
Avoid paracetamol in the 72 hours before and during busulfan therapy where possible, and use alternative analgesics. If it is needed, monitor busulfan exposure and toxicity.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Paracetamol
- Ethanol + Paracetamol Major
- Carbamazepine + Paracetamol Moderate
- Cholestyramine + Paracetamol Moderate
- Felbamate + Paracetamol Moderate
- Fosphenytoin + Paracetamol Moderate
- Imatinib + Paracetamol Moderate
Other interactions of Busulfan
- Busulfan + Carboplatin Major
- Busulfan + Chlorambucil Major
- Busulfan + Cyclophosphamide Major
- Busulfan + Fingolimod Major
- Busulfan + Hydroxyurea Major
- Busulfan + Ifosfamide Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Busulfan with Paracetamol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Busulfan and Paracetamol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Paracetamol given shortly before or with busulfan may reduce busulfan clearance and increase its exposure. Higher busulfan levels raise the risk of toxicity such as myelosuppression and hepatic veno-occlusive disease.
How serious is the interaction between Busulfan and Paracetamol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid paracetamol in the 72 hours before and during busulfan therapy where possible, and use alternative analgesics. If it is needed, monitor busulfan exposure and toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Paracetamol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paracetamol with, for example, Ethanol, Carbamazepine, Cholestyramine. The full list is on the Paracetamol page.
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